Final answer:
The Neolithic period, or the New Stone Age, is defined by the adoption of agriculture and the domestication of animals, giving rise to permanent settlements and significant social transformations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Neolithic, also known as the New Stone Age, is a period in the development of human technology that began about 12,000 years ago and ended around 3,000 BCE. The Neolithic is most noted for two central characteristics: the adoption of agriculture and the domestication of animals. These practices led to the development of more permanent settlements, as humans began the transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to one of farming and livestock rearing. This era saw the emergence of technological and social advancements such as the construction of permanent buildings, advancements in tool-making, and development of specialized labor as food production became more reliable.The profound changes that came with the Neolithic Revolution facilitated larger communities, surpluses of food production, and societal structures that were more complex and often hierarchical. Important archaeological sites like Çatalhöyük and Göbekli Tepe offer insights into the art, architecture, and social organization of Neolithic societies, highlighting their skills and cooperation ahead of a fully agricultural lifestyle.